While many Americans await an outcome for the future of DACA and immigration reform under the Trump Administration, recent reports of our nation’s president referring to various countries as s***hole countries stomps on the hopes of those for a brighter tomorrow as an immigrant in the United States.

President Trump’s inappropriate statements not only represent an unprofessional and apathetic tone, far from what a president should ever say in a public setting -- they also allude to a greater issue of general apathy toward those who are different from “us.”

These statements create a tone that America is better than poorer, underdeveloped nations and that these places do not deserve the same respect, attention, and protections as we do. Furthermore, his comments give off the chilling fragrance that only those from countries who can help our “image” are welcome here.

However, how can any president discuss the deservingness of another country in an “us versus them” context when America, “us,” is a country full of immigrants?

Men on the moon. Transatlantic flights. Flu shots. All available, all possible because America was not, and never intended to be, a “who do you know here” frat party.

The America we know, the America we love . . . what is it that we know and love so much? Is it wondering if your best friend will be here in six months because she might be forced to return to an impoverished, dangerous country she fled decades ago? Is it turning on the television to see our president degrade our daughters and friends and mothers and aunts and sisters? Is it when your son comes home from school in tears because a kid in his class told him we should “build a wall” so people like him do not exist in this country?

Remember Mary? Mary fled to the United States for a better life.

Mary is Haitian.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”